How many miles per gallon does a 2002 7.3 Powerstroke get?
Typically about 15–18 miles per gallon in mixed driving, with highway efficiency higher and towing or heavy payload lowering the figure.
What to know about mpg with the 7.3 Power Stroke
The 2002 7.3L Power Stroke diesel is renowned for durability and torque, but its fuel economy sits in the mid-teens for many real-world driving scenarios. When not towing and cruising on the highway with a light load, some drivers report upper-teens to around 20 mpg. In city driving or under heavy load or towing, mpg tends to fall into the mid-teens or below.
EPA estimates and real-world figures
Official EPA numbers for heavy-duty diesels from this era vary by drivetrain and cab/bed configuration, but typical published ranges fall in the mid-teens mpg combined for 2WD setups and slightly lower for 4x4. Real-world experience widely shows a broad spread: roughly 12–16 mpg in mixed driving or when towing, and often 17–20 mpg on long highway trips with light payload. Individual results depend on maintenance, tune, driving style, and load.
Typical configurations and mpg ranges
The following ranges reflect common setups reported by owners of the 2002 7.3 Power Stroke in F-Series Super Duty pickups. Values are approximate and can vary with tires, gearing, cab/bed combination, and use.
- 2WD, light payload, highway driving: about 18–20 mpg
- 2WD, mixed driving (city/highway): about 15–18 mpg
- 4x4, towing or heavy payload: about 12–16 mpg
- City stop-and-go driving: about 12–15 mpg
These ranges illustrate typical real-world performance; your actual mileage will vary based on the specific configuration and operating conditions.
Maintenance and driving tips to optimize mpg
Fuel economy for a 2002 7.3 Power Stroke improves with proper maintenance and mindful driving. Consider these practices to maximize efficiency without compromising performance:
- Keep the engine and fuel system well-maintained, including regular oil and filter changes and fuel filter replacements.
- Maintain correct tire pressure and alignment to reduce rolling resistance and improve efficiency.
- Avoid prolonged idling and minimize unnecessary weight in the cargo area.
- Ensure the air intake and turbo system (as applicable) are clean and functioning properly to keep combustion efficient.
- Use quality fuel and follow the manufacturer’s fuel recommendations; perform any known recalls or service bulletins that affect efficiency.
With good maintenance and sensible driving, you can help maximize the truck’s efficiency, though the 7.3 remains a torque-heavy diesel rather than a high-mile-per-gallon vehicle.
Summary
The 2002 Ford 7.3 Power Stroke’s fuel economy is highly dependent on configuration and usage. Expect a broad range—from roughly 12–16 mpg under towing or heavy payload in mixed driving to about 18–20 mpg on long highway trips with light load. Real-world results vary, so use these figures as guidelines and tailor expectations to your specific setup and habits.
